Engraving and similar machine



July 9, 1940. F. H. M. NEW

ENGRAVING AND SIMILAR MACHINE Filed March l5, 1939 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS.

July 9, 1940. F. H. M. NEW

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July 9, 1940. F. H. M. NEW

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ENGRAVING AND SIMILAR MACHINE Filed March l5, 1939 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Y l NVENTOR. #amaai/.M New,

ATTORNEYSv Patented `iuly 9, 1940 PATENT OFFICE ENGRAVING AND SIMLAR MACHINE Francis Il. M. New, Greenville, S. C., assigner of one-half to Charles A. New, Greenville, S. C.

Application March l5, 1939, Serial No. 261,865

20 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in 4engraving or similar machines adapted for use in automatically reproducing, on the surfaces of cylinders or other means, one or more designs by engraving, scratching or other marking tools, and in which the tools utilised are caused to operate in making the reproduction entirely autoznatically and in accordance with a predetermined pattern, in response to the action of a scanning element which is caused to travel over the pattern or other work being copied.

It is an object of this invention to provide a machine of the type referred. to, from which one or a large number of designs er impressions may be formed on the surface of a cylinder or other means from a single pattern; and to this end, the machine may have any desired number of engraving, scratching or other tools which will operate in unison in response to the movements of a single scanning element which is caused to pass over the pattern being copied4 Thus, in the fulfillment of this object, a single scanning element may be caused to pass over the pattern in the desired way, with the result that a mult'- plicity of engraving or other design-reproducing actions are carried out by a plurality of engraving or other tools which respond automatically to the movements of the scanning device.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a machine oi the above-described type, which employs electrical means including an electric eye for scanning the pattern or master design being copied, in combination with other electrical means responsive to the impressions received by the electric eye for automatically actuating the engraving or other design-forming tools.

It is a further object of this invention to provide any number of forming tools, and, if desired, opposed sets of tools whereby designs of the opposite hand may be simultaneously formed, or positive and negative impressions may be simultaneously formed, all as hereinafter more fully pointed out.

It is a further object of this invention to provide mechanical means which will serve in com bination with the electrical mechanism above referred tc, to provide predetermined synchronized movements of the scanning memberl and the cylinder or other member on which the designs are being formed.

The machine of this invention is adapted for use in automatically reproducing copies of al1 types, such as, for instance, copies of designs on plates, drawings1 photographs, prints and all (Cl. FIB-6.6)

other similar subject-matter This invention is particularly useful in the reproduction of halftone illustrations and is adapted for use in preparing cylinders, either for engraving or for subsequent etching to be used for printing work in the production of one or a plurality of impressions of the master pattern or design.

Prior to this invention, machines for this general purpose have been used and have usually comprised a work-table having means disposed thereabove for carrying a tracing element for horizontal forward and backward and side-toside movements, together with means for mounting a cylinder to be engraved on the upper part of the machine. In these old machines, the cyl-- inder is usually capable of oscillating on its axis for a limited extent, according to the backward and forward movement of the tracing element, and suitable mechanical connections are employedto effect this result. One or more engraving, scratching or other tools are employed in cooperative association with the surface of the cylinder, which tools may be raised or lowered by mechanical means under the control of the operator, `so that the operator, at his election, may cause the cutting tool to engage the surface of the cylinder or be raised out of contact therewith. At the same time, these machines employ mechanical connections between the cutting tools and the tracing element whereby the sidetoside movement of the tracing element is imparted, in the proper ratio, to the cutting tools. The machine resulting from this combination of ele- `ments, when in use, enables the operator to form .one or more designs on the cylinder by engaving the surface thereof by scratching a coating therevon and which is accomplished by causing the tool to engage the cylinder while at the same time causing the tracing element to be moved over the various lines which constitute the pattern or design being copied. This, of course, necessitates the manual movement of the tracing element over the straight and curved lines making up the design of the pattern. The ability to satisfactorily trace the pattern being copied clepended upon the skill of the operator, particularly in view of the fact that the position of the cutting tool with relation to the cylinder is directly dependent upon the position of the tracer. Furthermore, the personal skill of the operator is involved in the manual control of the tool in its movement into and out of engraving or scratching engagement with the surface of the cylinder. The high degree of skill required for this work renders the use of these machines necessarilyY expensive and dependent upon the services of highly trained and practiced operators. In addition to the expense, this fact results in some instances in inability to use such machines at all, notwithstanding the fact that such machines would be quite useful if these difficulties were not present.

With this in mind, the present invention aims to improve upon the machines of the general type referred to, through the elimination of the human element and the consequent elimination of the necessity for manually tracing the Variousy straight and curved lines of the pattern. This invention substitutes for the tracing element in the old machines, a scanning device which travels over the entire surface of the pattern being copied in a series of closely spaced, parallel lines, the spacing of which can be adjusted according to the particular work being done; and utilizes suitable mechanical means for giving a corresponding relative movement to the engraving tools and cylinder or other member on which the design` is being reproduced; and, in conjunction with the scanning element and the engraving tool or tools, the present invention has suitable electrical means in the form of a light-responsive member or eye mounted on the scanning element, which will automatically cause the cutting tools to be engaged with the surface of the cylinder in cutting or scratching relation therewith, or to be lifted therefrom, depending upon the character of the pattern over which the scanning element is passing at any particular moment. Thus, if the scanning element is passing over a blank portion of the pattern in its travel along one of the lines of movement in its scanning process, then, through the electrical and mechanical means above referred to and hereinafter more fully described, the cutting tool or tools will be held out of cutting or scratching association with the cylinder or other member; but in the event that the scanning element passes over a dark spot or area in its line of travel, then the cutting tool will be caused to cut during its corresponding movement relative to the cylinder. Thus, it will be seen that when the scanning element has completely scanned the image or pattern being reproduced, the engaging tool will have likewise scanned a corresponding area on the surface of the cylinder or other member and will have reproduced thereon a design Which corresponds to the pattern over which the scanning device has passed.

It may be seen that the cutting tools may be made to produce either right or left-hand copies, so that the pattern may be reversed, and also they may be caused to reverse their character of operation so as to make negative designs as well as positive designs. It will `also be apparent that when making multiple copies, certain tools may be making right-hand designs While others are making left-hand designs; and, if it is desired, certain tools can be making positives of either hand while others are lnaking negatives of either hand. Accordingly, by the simple eX- pediency of a singley scanning operation, a large number of selective effects can be produced by the use of the machine of this invention, provided, of course, that the electrical and mechanical controls are adjusted to the end desired.

The features of this invention will be more readily understood by referring to the accom.- panying drawings, in which there is illustrated :one embodiment of this invention which will hereafter be described in greater detail,

In the drawings- Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the upper portion of an improved machine constructed in accordance with this invention.

Figure 2 is a front elevational View of the mechanism illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged side elevational View of a portion of the machine which automatically advances the carriage mechanism in the forward direction during the scanning operation.

Figure 4 is a plan view, partly in cross section, of the mechanism shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is va fragmentary front elevational view of the mechanism shown in Figures 3 and 4, as well as its connection toy the carriage mechanism.

Figure 6 is an enlarged side elevational view of the carriage mechanism.

Fig. 7 is a rear elevational view of the mechanism shown in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is an enlarged side elevational View showing the upper part of the mechanism illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 9 is a plan view showing a part of the machine taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 2 and looking in the `direction of the arrows.

Figure l0 is a plan view, as seen from the top of the machine, illustrating the upper surface of the cylinder and the multiplicity of cutting or engraving tools together with a part of the operating mechanism therefor; and

Figure 11 is: a diagrammatic representation of the wiring connections utilized in the construction and operation of the machine.

In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts in the various figures.

By referring to the drawings, it will be observed that this invention is illustrated as embodied in a machine comprising a frame 2U, the

upper portion of which is shown in Figures 1 i and 2 and the lower portion of which is not shown for the reason that its particular construction does not constitute any part of the novelty hereof. The lower part of the frame may be constructed in any suitable manner to form a supporting stand for the machine and so as to present the Various parts of the machine at their desired positions with the table readily accessible to the operator.

As more clearly shown in Figure 2, the frame comprises two spaced upright members 21-2! and lower and upper horizontal frame parts 22 and 23, respectively. The frame part 22 is preferably disposed intermediate the height of the frame so as to serve as a mounting for the table as well as a carriage which supports the scanning mechanism in a manner hereinafter described. Mounted on the frame part 22 are a pair of track members 24-2!! which may be o1 any suitable shape but are here illustrated as being of inverted T cross section and presenting yan upper edge adapted to cooperate with rollers for supporting the carriage as hereinafter described. These tracks are disposed, respectively, adjacent the sides of the machine.

A bracket 25 is mounted on said frame part 22 between said tracks 2li-24, which serves as a support for a table 28 on which the work or master pattern to be copied is placed and held during the scanning operation.

Mounted on the tracks 24-24 is a carriage which comprises a frame 21 of any suitable shape having brackets 28 at its four corners in which are mounted, on suitable spindles, supporting wheels 29. These wheels are preferably grooved as shown and are adapted to be supported on top of the tracks'V 24-24 so that the carriage frame 21 may be caused to travel forwardly and backwardly over the table 26.

Mounted on the frame 21 adjacent each edge thereof, are a pair of spaced track members '3B-30 which extend in a direction at right angles to the track members 24-24. Located above the frame 2.1 is a second carriage frame 3| which is supported at its four corners by rollers 32 mounted on suitable spindles, which rollers are grooved and adapted to movably support the carriage 3| on the tracks 30-36.

The upper carriage 3| has a frame part projecting forwardly, to which is mounted a bracket 33 by means of suitable screws or other attaching means 34, and to which is fixed a scanning mechanism 35 adjustably held by the screws and adjusting nuts 36, as clearly shown in Figure 6. This scanning mechanism is electrically operated and will be hereinafter described in greater detail, but suffice it to say at this point that it is disposed in close proximity to the upper surface of the table 25 and in such manner as to be freely moved thereover so as to enable it to scan `a pattern held on the table by suitable movement of the carriages 21 and 3|, respectively.

t will be apparent from the drawings that the upper carriage 3| is free to travel on the rollers 32 from side to side on the carriage 21, and that, through the joint movement of both carriages, the scanning mechanism may be caused to travel over a scanning path which will cover substantially the entire area of the table 26. The carriage 2? has affixed to its rear end a flexible element or wire 31 which passes over a pulley 35 mounted on a bracket 3S supported on the end of one of the tracks 24, and has affixed to its lower end a weight 40. This wire passes through an opening in the bracket member 4|, on which there is mounted a pivoted lever 42 which controls an electrical switch 43 for a purpose hereinafter described. The lever 42 is adapted to be moved by means of a lug 44 which is adjustably mounted on the wire 31 in any desired position, such as by means of the wing screw 45. Accordingly, when the carriage 21 moves forward to a predetermined point, the switch 42, according to the adjustment of the lug 44, is moved to break the electrical circuit in which the switch 43 is connected.

Adjacent the rear portion of the carriage 21 are mounted spaced bearing members 50-50 in which is mounted for rotation a shaft having opposed spiral cam grooves 52 and 53, respectively, out therein. Upon rotation of the shaft 5i in one direction, the cam groove 52 will cause the follower placed therein to move in one direction along the shaft, whereas the cam groove 53 will cause a follower placed therein to move in the opposite direction along the shaft. This shaft is provided, adjacent one of its ends, with a gear which meshes with a gear 55 mounted the end of the shaft of a motor 5S which is o fy carried by any satisfactory bracket or at- .'i. This motor is connected by an electrical connector 51 to a souuce of electrical current, whereon the motor, when the switch is on, will serve to rotate the shaft 5| in the particular direction desired.

Carried by the upper carriage 3| is a lug 68 to which is pivoted a member 6| preferably having the shape of an inverted V, as shown in Figure 6, the ends of which are equipped, respectively, with the cam followers 62 and 63. A spring 64 is fastened to the frame at a point well above the pivot point of the member 5| and has its lower end connected to a cross bar connecting the two arms of the member 8|. As shown in Figure 6, the spring thus arranged is disposed vertically and, upon movement of the member 3|, is caused to pass beyond dead center as the member 5| is moved by cam 10 and to hold one or the other of the cams 62 and 63 in operative engagement with the groove shaft 5|. The member 5| is so constructed that only one of the followers 52-63 is capable of engaging the shaft 5| at any one time when the position thereof is properly adjusted by the screw 64. Furthermore, the follower members 62 and G3 are adapted to be engaged in the grooves 52 and 53 when the shaft rotates for the purpose of causing the upper carriage 3| to travel from side to side on the carriage 21 in one direction or the other, depending upon which of the cam followers is engaged in its particular cooperating groove on the shaft 5|.

Adjacent each end of the shaft 5| and carried by the carriage 21, is a cam plate 10, each of which is adapted to contact the member 6| so as to shift the position thereof on its pivot and to cause the then engaged follower to become disengaged from its cooperating groove and the disengaged follower to become engaged with its cooperating groove. The result is that when the upper carriage 3l is caused to travel in one direction along the shaft 5| by means of one of the followers and it reaches the end thereof, the then active follower is disengaged by contact with the cam plate and the formerly inactive follower is engaged; and immediately upon the accomplishment of this shift of connections, the carriage is caused to return by movement along the shaft 5| in the opposite direction. When it reaches the end of its travel in the opposite direction, it again meets the opposite cam plate 1i) located at that end and a similar operation takes place, so that the carriage is again reversed in its movement and caused to once more move in its original direction of travel. In consequence, it is apparent that the shaft and follower mechanisms, together with the cooperating cams, will cause the upper carriage 3| to reciprocate from side to side across the lower car riage 21 entirely automatically, just so long as the motor 56 is operated to rotate the shaft 5|. This travel from side to side will cause the scanning mechanism 35 to reciprocate over the surface of the table 26.

Reference will now be made to the mechanism which is employed to advance the lower carriage 21 forwardly by small increments at the moment when the upper carriage is reversing its direction of travel, so that every time the upper carriage reaches the end of its cross stroke, the lower ca:- riage is advanced a predetermined and small amount, so that upon the return of the upper carriage the scanning mechanism is caused to travel over a slightly spaced but parallel path from that along which it traveled in its original stroke.

As best shown in Figures 3 and 4, a horizontally disposed frame member 86 is secured by suitable bolts 8| to one of the vertical frame parts 2| at a point in the height thereof providing convenient mechanical association with the carriage member 21. This frame 80 has a pair of pulleys 233-83 mounted on suitable spindles 84-84 carried at the ends thereof. At a point intermelll Cfr

d iate the frame member, a spindle 85 is provided mounted in a bearing 36 and extending all the way through the member @il so as to project from opposite sides thereof. On the outside end of the spindle, a hub member 3l is keyed, which has a face plate 88 which serves as a mounting for holding screws Sil-90. These screws serve to hold a ratchet wheel @l in engagement with the face plate, the particular angular position oi which may be adjusted by means of arcuate slots til-S2 provided in the ratchet for adjustably receiving the holding screws gil-Qt. The opposite end of the spindle 85 is provided with a small drum to which is aixed, as at 96, one end of a wire or other flexible member which is wrapped around the hub for any suitable number of turns and is then caused to pass over one of the pulleys Si?, thence back toward the other end oi the bracket and over the other pulley 83, and thence back to the hub Q5 where the opposite end of the wire or flexible member is likewise wrapped around the hubI a suitable number of turns and anixed thereto as at 9i.

Carried by the bracket di? is a supporting post it@ which. may be provided as a part of the screw EH and which may also serve as a mounting for a solenoid till. A. bracket lil? is provided on the solenoid, in which bracket there is a slot M33 serving as a mounting for a pivot on which is pivotally carried a dog illll which has an end disposed, as shown in Figure 3, in engagement with the teeth of the ratchet 9i. This dog pivots downwardly under the action of the ratchet in one direction but isheld in position by means of a spring it which lifts the dog upwardly in engagement with the ratchet teeth. It will be seen that this dog prevents the ratchet from' clockwise movement but permits the ratchet to have movement in a counter-clockwise direction.

The solenoid till is provided with suitable electrical terminals lil@ and lill, respectively, whereby it may be energized in a manner hereinafter described. It is equipped with a central opening or open core into which is placed a soft iron plunger lits having connected at its upper end a pivoted pawl ll i, the end of which engages with the teeth on the ratchet ill. Attached to the lower end of the soft iron plunger is a non--y magnetic rod li having screw threads thereon for accommodating adjustable stop nuts H3 and lili which engage the opposite faces of the stop lug iid so as to limit, according to the particular adjustment of' the stop nuts, the upward movement of the iron plunger under the inuence oi the coil spring ili and the downward movement under the influence or" the coil. 'Ihe coil spring ilii engages the collar ii'l on the iron plunger at its upper end and the solenoid casing at its lower end. This spring tends to hold the iron plunger and the pivoted pawl in the maximum raised position with the stop nut H3 in engagement with the stop H5. When in such raised position, the iron plunger has approximate-ly 40% of its length disposed within the enclosed portion of the solenoid.

When the parts are thus disposed and when current is supplied to the solenoid through the connections to the terminals it@ and lill, the solenoid is energized and the iron plunger is drawn downwardly a predetermined amount so as to cause the pawl lll to rotate the ratchet to a predetermined. extent in a counter-clockwise direction. The amount of downward movement may be determined by the stop nut M which may be selectively placed on the threaded shaft to come into engagement with the stop lug H at the desired point. It will thus be seen that every time the solenoid is energized, the ratchet 9i will be given a predetermined rotation accord# ing to the adjustment of the mechanism, and that return movement of the ratchet is prevented by means of the holding dog m4. Stop nuts ||3 and Ht may be held against accidental displacement by means of lock nuts |26 and |20', respectively.

Referring now to the disclosure in Figures 2 and 7, it will be noted that adjacent each end of the carriage 271' there are electrical switches i2| and |22, respectively. These switches are provided with contact buttons and suitable electrical connections as shown, whereby either one or the other may energize the solenoid Il!! so long as that switch button is in a depressed position. These switches are so disposed that the switch buttons are selectively engaged by the g upper carriage 3| at the end positions of its reciprocating movement, so that, as shown in Figure 7, when the upper carriage 3| is in the extreme left-hand position it comes in contact with and depresses the button oi switch I2 I; and when it is in its extreme right-hand position it engages and depresses the button of switch |22. It will be apparent that during the reciprocation of the carriage 3i, the switch button will remain depressed merely for that brief interval when lv the carriage is at the extreme end position and is there being brought to rest and started in its opposite direction of movement. Immediately upon resuming its travel, the switch button is released and consequently the Solenoid deenergized. The result is that the carriage 3|, upon engaging the switch button at the end of its stroke and the consequent energization of the solenoid it i, causes the ratchet wheel to advance one or more teeth, depending upon the particular adjustment of the machine. A further result is that the spindle 85 is correspondingly advanced and the wire member Sil disposed around the pulleys 83-83 is also correspondingly advanced.

As shown in Figure 5, the lower flight of the wire Sil is connected by means of a clamp |25 to the end of a bracket |26 which has its upper end connected to the carriage 2, so that longitudinal movement of the wire will be directly'imparted to the carriage. vancing of the ratchet through the action of the solenoid in the manner above described to cause the carriage 2l to be advanced a predetermined amount for each such advance.

From the above understanding of the mechanism here disclosed, it will be apparent that upon starting the motor 56 the upper carriage 3| will be caused to reciprocate and automatically reverse its direction of movement at each end of its travel, and that at the instant when the direction of movement of the carriage is being reversed, the lower carriage 2l is, through the solenoid mechanism, caused to be advanced a slight and predetermined amount. In consequence, the scanning mechanism carried by the upper carriage is caused to travel in a succession of horizontal paths equally spaced one from the other and with alternate movements in opposite directions so as to give a iinal path of travel which ultimately scans or substantially covers the entire area of the table 26.

As best shown in Figure 2, a bracket |36 is mounted on one side of the carriage frame 21 and is provided with a track or other means |3| on the surface thereof for mounting a roller car- This mechanism causes the adriage |32 having a ball-connecting member |33 fixed thereto. This carriage is held against forward and backward movement relative to the bracket by means of the rollers and track, but is permitted to move laterally relative to said bracket for the purpose hereinafter described. Any other type of connection which will accomplish the same purpose is contemplated, but the mechanism here described is found to serve Well.

Above the carriage |32, an arm |34 is provided extending transversely of the machine and having a semispherical socket |35 at one end in universal pivotal engagement with the ball |33. The opposite end of the arm is pivoted as at |35 to the lower end of a crank |31 which is pivoted asat |33 in the frame part 23 adjacent the upper part of the machine. The crank has a horizontal arm |39 extended in the manner shown in Figure 2, and is provided with a ball-connecting member |45 on its upper surface. This ball is to engage Within a groove |4| in the lower surface of an arm |42 which extends to the side of the machine. As best shown in Figure 9, the arm |42 is preferably in the form of a yoke having its spaced ends |43|43 pivotally connected to a movable carriage |44 by means of the brackets |45|45 and the adjustable pivots U15-|46. Carriage |44 is adapted to have limited reciproca-tory movement by virtue of the fact that it is mounted on knife-edged spools or rollers |41|41 which are supported by frame member |68 carried by the frame part 23 of the machine.

Adjacent each end of the carriage is a lug itil-|49 through which is a threaded opening serving in each case for adjustably mounting a threaded screw or like member IED-|50. On the inside of each of said adjustable members |50, there is a swiveled clamp |||5| to which are secured Jiexible Wires in the manner shown in -igure 9. It is found satisfactory to provide ne flexible wire |52 extending from one of said clamps and two wires |53 extending from the other of said clamps. The ends of said wires extend to a centrally disposed drum |54 in a manner and for a purpose hereinafter to be described, and they are partially wound thereon in opposite directions and with their ends affixed `tothe surface of the drum by any suitable holding means, such as the screws shown in Figure 9. By this arrangement, it will be apparent that as the arm is moved forwardly and backwardly of the machine under the influence of the crank |39, the carriage |44 will be reciprocated on the rollers |41, and the wires will likewise be reciprocated; and that as the Wires are reciprocated, the drum |54 will be caused to oscillate, that is to say, in one direction when the carriage moves forwardly and in the opposite direction when the carriage is moved backwardly of the machine. It will further be apparent that the crank |39 will be given an oscillating movement by the arm |34 as the frame member 21 moves backwardly and forwardly on the tracks 24 as when the machine is' in operation.

Drum |54 is mounted on a spindle |55 carried by bearings ISS-|56 carried by a pedestal supported by the frame, as shown in Figure l. yThe drum is mounted so as to turn freely on the shaft and is positioned adjacent a drum-supporting roller |51 nxed to the shaft. The drum-supporting roller has an arcuate slot |55 extending therethrough (see dotted lines in Figure 1) adapted to receive a bolt |5| which extends into a threaded hole in the drum |54 so that when it is clamped tightly the supporting roller |51 may be fixed to turn the drum |54. On the other hand, when it is desired to have the supporting roller |51 free to rotate independentlyfof the drum for the purpose of adjustment Vas hereinafter described, the bolt may be withdrawn so that the supporting roller |51 can vbe moved to any desired position without disturbing the position of the drum |54.

At the opposite side of the machine a pair of spaced. bearings HB3-|63 are mounted on a pedestal supported by the frame part 23 for mounting a shaft, not shown, to which is xed a second supporting roller |84. This roller is preferably provided with upstanding circumferential flange which is adapted to roll in a corresponding groove |55 in one end of the cylinder |65, as shown in Figure 2.

As shown in Figure l, additional brackets |51- |51 are provided with forwardly and backwardly extending arms on which are mounted the adjustable piLs ISS-|58 and supporting rollers 153-469, respectively. The construction thus described serves as a means for supporting the cylinder |56 which, in this illustration, constitutes the copper' or other cylinder to be engraved or marked in the desired manner by the operation of the machine. The cylinder is sufciently long to engage at its opposite ends the two supporting rollers |51 and |64, respectively, and it is held against accidental displacement by means of the rearwardly positioned supporting rollers ISS- |511 respectively. The adjustable pins |58- |58 also serve their usual function in connection with the cylinder. der isI -free to rotate upon the rotation of the supporting rollers |51 and that it is free from accidental axial displacement by virtue of the flange |54 which is positioned in engagement with the groove |55 provided on the cylinder to be engraved.

Referring now to the operation of this part of the mechanism, it will be observed that as the carriage 21 is moved forwardly and backwardly, the connecting arm |34, crank 31 and arm |42 will cause a reciprocati-on of the carriage |44 which in turn, through the wires R52-|53, will cause an oscillation or rotation of the drum |54 and consequently a corresponding rotation of the supporting drum |51. As a result, a corresponding rotation of the cylinder to be engraved is effected. Thus, as the carriage 21 moves forwardly step by step during the scanning operation, the cylinder is rotated step by step a proportional amount so as to present a new surface to the cutting tools in a manner to effect a proper reproduction of the pattern of design being copied.

Referring now to Figure 1, a further part of the mechanism comprises an arm having itsi forward end pivcted as at |85 to a roller carriage I5! which is supported on a track |82 mounted on top of the upper carriage 3|.l This track is quite long and permits the upper carriage 3| to be moved backwardly and forwardly with the under carriage 21 without affecting the movement of the arm |10; but when the upper carriage 3| is reciprocated from side to side, it will impart a movement to the arm which in turn will impart an oscillating movement to the vertical shaft |83 through the pivotal connection iSd. Shaft |83 is equipped with an adjustable stop member |85 which engages an extension |35 on the frame member 23 so as to limit itsl downward movement. By means of the It is apparent that the cylinf set screw |8l the shaft may be adjusted to any desired vertical position. Shaft |83 is equipped lwith two arms |88 and 89, respectively, on each of which is a ball-connecting member IBB-|90. The ball-connecting member on arm |83 is adapted to slide in a groove I9! on an arm |92 which is pivoted as at |23 to a reciprocating support bar |94. The upper ball member is adapted to slide in the groove 95 in the end of an arm |96, connected as at i9? to a reciprocating carriage member |98.

Mounted on an upstanding part of the frame are brackets 20H3 and 2m, respectively, on which are mounted knife-edge spools or supporting rollers 202 and 293, respectively. These rollers are best shown in Figure 8, where it will be noted their knife edges roll in grooves 2M provided .in the upper surface of brackets 2G@ and 2m, respectively. The same construction is used for both the upper and the lower rollers.

The construction of the reciprocating support bars |94 and |98 is best shown in Figure 10, wherein it will be noted that they extend substantially the entire width of the machine and serve as a mounting for a plurality of holders for cutting, scratching or engraving tools, such as diamond points or other suitable means. Inasmuch as both support bars are of the same construction, only the upper construction will be described, which description will apply equally well to the lower reciprocating carriage |94.

Adjacent the forward edge of the support bar |98 a series of adjustable plates 295 are provided, each of which has a small recess or hole 25e. The bar is preferably provided with a longitudinal groove 2&1 which is undercut as shown in' Figure 8 so as to receive a flanged nut and a clamping screw 295 by which the plates are tightly held in adjusted position. Each bar is further provided with a groove 229 running longitudinally thereof and parallel to the forward edge of the carriage. Groove 209 and the series of holes 2% provided in the adjustable plates 205 serve as mountings for the holders 2i@ which are delicately supported on the bars for movement into and out of cutting engagement with the cylinder |66. As best shown in Figure l0, each of the holders is provided with its forward and backward portions out of alignment but parallel and connected by an angularly disposed intermediate portion. The holders are furthermore equipped with supporting pins 2|| and 2|Z at their backward and forward portions, respectively. It will be noted that the supporting pins 24| are in alignment with the rear portion of the holder, whereas pins 2| 2 are in alignment with the forward portion of the holder, whereby they form a two-point rocking support permitting slight oscillating movement on an angularly disposed axis running through the angular intermediate portion of the holder. The upper holders are so made that their forward or tool-holding ends are heavier than the rear end portions, whereby they tend normally to overbalance so that unless held out of contact with the cylinder |66, they will normally, under the action of gravity, pivot on the supporting pins until their outer ends move downwardly to the point where the cutting tools engage the cylinder |166. Thus, the machine operates upon the principle of lifting and holding the upper row of cutters or tools out of engagement with the cylinder |66 and permitting the holders to move downwardly under the action of gravity into engagement with the cylinder when a cutting or engraving action is intended.

As shown in Figure 8, the outer end of the holders are preferably of arcuate shape so as to conform to the contour of the cylinder let, and each is equipped with an adjustable tool-holding member 2|5 which holds a diamond or similar tool ZIE ina position adjacent the upper portion of the cylinder; that is to say, vertically above the axis thereof. This diamond holder may be clamped by means of a screw or other suitable means 2H. As shown in Figure l0, a plurality of holders and cutting tools may be provided, spaced in any desired manner according to the adjustment of the plates M5, whereby any desired multiple pattern may be effected.

From the above description, it will be apparent that as the carriage 3l reciprocates from side to side in the scanning operation, through the means of arm llil, shaft |83 and arms |89 and |95, the carriage |98 will be correspondingly reciprocated; and that, furthermore, the holders and the cutting tools will be moved a proportionate degree over the surface of the cylinder |66. Thus, the relative lateral movement between the cutting tools and the cylinder iiii is e'ected by moving the cutting tools over the surface of the cylinder, whereas the relative forward movement of the cylinder and cutting tools corresponding to the forward and backward movement of the carriage over the pattern is effected by the rotation of the cylinder with respect to the cutting tools.

Adjacent the rear end of each holder, a bearing block 220 is adjustably mounted by lmeans of a thumb screw 222, all of which are located in substantially the same horizontal plane. These bearing blocks are mounted below and adapted to engage the forward depending edge of an elongated release bar 223 which is mounted for oscillation on the shaft 221i mounted in the bearings 22S-225.

Fixed to the end of the shaft in the manner shown in Figure 1, is an operating lever 22B having one arm extending rearwardly for piv otal connection, as at 227, to a soft iron core 228 of a solenoid 223. This solenoid is preferably mounted by means of a bracket 23@ secured to a suitable part of the frame of the machine.

The forward arm 232 of the lever is connected to a coil spring 233 which is in turn connected at its other end to an adjustable bracket 2345 held on a suitable part of the frame of the machine. This spring acts to move the lever in a cloclwise direction, as shown in Figure l, so to lift the soft iron core outwardly from the coil and to, in turn, cause the lower edge of the elongated release bar 224 to engage and press down on the series of bearing blocks 229 on each of the holders successively mounted on the carriage. When the bearing blocks are so depressed, it is apparent that the cutting tools or diamond nc ts will be held out of engagement with the 1nder |66.

The solenoid is connected by suitable wires 235 and 236, respectively, to a source of current and controlled by the scanning mechanism, all in accordance with the wiring thereof as shown in the diagram illustrated in Figure ll and hereinafter more fully described.

As shown in Figure 1, the lower supporting bar |94 is equipped with a similar series of holders which are likewise provided with arcuate ends and adjustable holders for diamond points or other cutting means, and are similarly equipped with bearing blocks 223. A distinction between the lower series of holders, however, is that the inner arm is heavier than the outer arm, and under the action of gravity the cutting tool tends to move upwardly in engagement with the cylinder li-SS instead of downwardly. This characteristic is provided by suitably weighting the holders in the proper way to make the inner ends of the holders ovei'balance the outer ends thereof.

An elongated release bar similar to the release bar 223, is provided below the inner end of the lower tcol holders, which bar is pivotally connected to a pull rod 2M connected at its upper end to the lever arm 225 adjacent the solenoid. Thus, when a lower set of tool holders is employed, these are actuated simultaneously with the actuation of the upper holders but by the upward movement of the release bar which engages from below the lower end of the holders to lift the heavy inner ends thereof so as tc cause the tools to be disengaged from the surface of the cylinder. By this construction, the upper holders and the lower holders are both controlled by the same solenoid and both sets of cutting tools are held out of engagement with the cylinder at the same time and are permitted to engage the surface of the cylinder at the same time.

As shown in Figure 1, the forward end of the lever 226 is provided with a hole 25B adapted to serve as a connection for the upper end of a pull rod similar to the pull rod 24S. However, by virtue or the fact that this connection is on the opposite side oi' the pivot, a diierent action results which is useful if negative patterns are desired. By substituting a similar pull rod conn nected in the opening 250, the lower set of holders is caused to act oppositely to that of the upper set of holders. whereby when one is cutting the other is out of engagement, and vice versa. In

vthis way, positive and negative reproductions may be formed at the same time.

As shown in the upper part of Figure l, the bracket 23D which holds the solenoid 229 is provided with a lug 255 through which is threaded a bolt 255 held by a lock nut, whereby the bolt may be adjustably held in any desired position. The upper end of this bolt is disposed to engage the adjacent end of the lever 225 to form a stop therefor against the action of the spring By adjusting this bolt, the lever may be given the desired limited position for controlling the release bars and 2M), respectively.

As shown in Figure l, the forward end of the upper carriage 3l supports a bracket 33 held by any suitable means, such as bolts which bracket in turn supports a housing adjustably mounted thereon by means of bolts 35 and wing nuts 264. In this housing there is mounted a suitable electrically operated light-responsive means, such as a reflecting type of scanner which usually includes a light-source, one or more suitable reflectors, a controlling aperture for the light beam, and a photo-electric cell. No shown ing is made of these parts of the equipment because suitable devices for this purpose are now obtainable upon the market and the exact construction thereof does not constitute a part of this invention. On the other hand, the invention contemplates any suitable light-responsive scanning mechanism which will serve to transmit electrical impulses according to the light and dark lines or areas on the pattern or design being copied. One type of scanner now available includes a parabolic mirror, as the reilector, in conjunction with a photo-electric cell.

The photo-electric cell o1" the scanner is connected by wires 27B to a photo-tube relay mech` anism 2li which may be mounted in any suitable location but preferably overhead by means of brackets 272 connected to an overhead support 213, such as the ceiling of the room in which the machine is mounted. The photo-tube relay is connected to wires 2l'5 leading to a main source of current. The relay mechanism, which may be of conventional design, is not here illustrated because the particular construction thereof does not of itself constitute a novel part oi this invention. Any suitable relay mechanism which is capable of transmitting the electrical impulses received from the scanner to the solenoid 22@ will serve satisfactorily for this purpose.

Connections 23E-25E extend from the relay to the solenoid 223, whereby the solenoid receives electrical impulses according to the action of the scanner as influenced by its passage over the surface of the pattern or design being copied. The complete wiring diagram is shown in Figure ll, wherein the various parts are represented diagrammatically and in which the same reference numerals heretofore referred to are applied as representing the same parts.

In addition to the foregoing, it will be noted that wires 21S extend from the main power line and are connected to supply a source of current to the .motor 56 mounted on and carried by the main carriage 27. This line is equipped with a switch 28d by which the operator may start and stop the motor 56, as may be required for the operation of the machine.

The switch 43 previously described and illustrated in Figure 6, is interposed in the power line to control the supply of current to the entire machine, whereby the power may be shut off automatically by the upward movement of the ball 44 carried by the wire 3l when the carriage 21 moves forwardly to a point reached at the end of its scanning operation. Also, when the carriage 27 is moved back to its position, as when starting a new scanning operation, the switch 43 is again automatically closed to supply current to all of the parts ci the machine.

Solenoid lll l, illustrated in Figure 3, for operating the ratchet wheel QI is energized by wires 282-283 connected to the main power line. One of these wires, however, is interrupted by the two switches l2! and |22 previously described as mounted on the carriage 2l. These switches are normally maintained in open position, but upon the closing of either one, current is supplied to the solenoid lei for the interval when the switch button is depressed.

In order to operate the machine, the operator or set-up man first adjusts a large copy or plate ofthe design or pattern to be copied in correct position on the copy-board or table 2li, properly mounted on the frame immediately below the scanning mechanism 35. This copy is fastened down with the joining line or the design set position by adjusting the position of the copy or plate in proper relation to the stylus point lill which is adjustably mounted in a suitable bracket 3il2 by means of an adjustable thumb screw all carried on the front face of the scanning mechanism as shown in Figure l. This adjustment is accomplished by lowering the stylus point in its bracket after loosening the thumb screw 303 until the same is brought in close proximity to the copy or plate. This brings the stylus in close proximity to the design, so that the placement of the design may be accurately determined in relation to the scanning mechanism. When this adjustment is complete, the stylus is raised and the thumb screw again tightened to hold it out of the way. Next, the scanning mechanismZSZ is properly adjusted as to height above the copyboard or table to permit the free passage of the scanning mechanism over the copy or design plate. It is the purpose to have sufficient clearance to permit the free passage of the scanner and at the same time to place the copy or plate suiciently close to the scanning mechanism to assure the proper operation of the photo-electric means within the scanner housing.

After all the adjustments are properly made in setting up the machine, the machine is started for automatic operation by pushing the carriage 2`| back on the tracks 24 to a point where the light beam therein projected from the aperture (not shown) in the bottom of the scanner housing, is near the top edge of the copy o-r plate on the table, or, in other words, near the edge farthest from the front of the table, and outside of the joining line of the design. Thereafter, the cross carriage 3i is pushed to the left until the joining line of the design on the left of the copy or plate is to the right of the light beam projected from the scanner housing, as above mentioned. With the cross carriage so positioned, the cam plate lil at the left side of the carriage 2l is next adjusted to the point where the edge thereof just touches its cooperating follower $2 mounted on the cross carriage 3|, when the follower 62 is disengaged from its cooperating thread on the cam groove shaft 5|. When properly adjusted, this cam plate l0 is tightened in position. Next, switch |2| is adjusted and tightened in place at the location where the plunger thereof just touches the adjacent wheel of the carriage 3|. Thereafter, the carriage is moved to the opposite end of its path of travel on the tracks 30 until the light beam from the scanner housing is just to the right of the right-hand joining line of the design copy or plate, and then similar adjustments are made with the cam 'l0 and switch |22. Next, the main carriage 2l is brought forward to a point where the light beam of the scanner is beyond or outside of the bottom joining line of the copy, and when in such position, ball i4 carried by the wire 3l as shown in Figure 6, is moved on the wire and anchored thereon in a position at which it just touches the lever 42 of the switch 43. Carriage 2l is next pushed to its back position where the focus point of the light beam of the scanner is above the top joining line of the copy or plate.

After the number of lines per inch for scanning the copy is determined, the adjusting nuts ||3 and lili are set in position on the solenoid rod |12 of the solenoid lill, as shown in Figure 3, and when so adjusted, the lock nuts are tightened to maintain the adjustment. This adjustment is made so that the pawl connected to the soft iron core of the solenoid lill, will pull one or more teeth of the ratchet 9| for a single impulse of the solenoid. By this adjustment, the carriage 2 is caused to move forward on its rails the distance of one scanning line, with a predetermined space between scanning lines for each cross movement of the cross carriage 3|. At this point, the follower 62 of the carriage 3| is next engaged in its cooperating cam groove on the shaft 5| and the electric current is then turned on the photo-electric tube filament and scanner light, and, when sufficiently heated, the

motor-operating switch 280 is closed to cause the operation of the motor 56.

When the motor operates, it immediately drives the shaft 5| and thereby causes the cross carriage 3| to travel across the machine and carry the scanning mechanism across the upper portion of the copy or plate in a straight transverse path. As the carriage approaches the opposite end of its path of travel, the follower 63 is brought in engagement with the opposite cam plate 'it and is given a movement thereby which acts to engage the follower 63 with its cooperating groove in the shaft 5| and at the same time disengage the follower 62 from the groove of the opposite thread. This causes the carriage 3| to come to 'i rest and to promptly thereafter start its travel in the reverse direction back across the machine and over the copy or plate. However, at the instant the carriage 3| reached its maximum position in its traveling movement, the switch button of the switch |2| was depressed by the adjacent wheel of the carriage and as a result thereof, the solenoid |0| received an impulse from the main power line which actuated the soft iron core and the pawl with the result that through the instrumentality of the ratchet mechanism, the larger carriage 2T was moved forward the width between the scanning lines, based on the predetermined adjustment of the solenoid. Accordingly, upon the return travel of the carriage 3|, l'

the scanner is again moved over a straight transverse path, but due to the forward advance of the carriage 2l this path is slightly spaced from but parallel to the path of travel of the first scanning l to again advance the main carriage 2i a predetermined amount equal to the width between scanning lines.

This operation is successively repeated entirely automatically, with the result that the scanner is advanced over the entire surface of the copy or plate being copied, at which time the main frame 21 reaches its maximum forward position and thereby causes the ball 44 to lift the lever 32 of the switch 43 and shut down the entire machine.

During the scanning operation, a light beam is projected from the scanner housing lens system onto the plate or copy and is interrupted by lines, dots or dark areas on the copy or plate and is thereby prevented from being reflected through the parabolic mirror or other similar means and transmitted to the photo-electric cell, whereby the scanner, through the instrumentality of the photo-electric cell, transmits to the photo-tube relay electrical impulses corresponding to the light-reflecting character of the path over which the scanner is traveling. In operation, when the reflection of light on the photoelectric cell is interrupted by a dark line, dot or area, an impulse is transmitted to the photo-tube relay which in turn energizes the .solenoid 229. This'solenoid is accordingly energized for a period of time which corresponds to the period during which the scanner is passing over a dark line, dot or area, and consequently during such period the solenoid acts to lift the lever 226 against the action of the spring 223 an amount suflcient to raise the release bar 223 and lower the release bar 240 to permit the diamond or cutter holders to move by gravity in engagement with the cylinder to be engraved.

It Will be apparent that this action of the scanner, the solenoid and the diamond holdersl is continuous throughout the entire scanning operation through'each successive stroke of the carriage 3|, whereby, after the entire scanning operation is completed, a design is engraved on cylinder |66 which is made up of a plurality of duplications of the enlarged design on the copy or plate.

It is further apparent from the above description that during the scanning operation the transversely movable carriages |98 and |94, which carry the diamond holders, have been given transverse movement, through the lever mechanism above described, to cause the diamond holders to be moved in a transverse direction corresponding to the transverse position of the scanner. Accordingly, as the carriage 3| and the scanner move transversely across the copy or plate, the transversely movable carriages |98 and |94, respectively, are likewise moved. Similarly, through the mechanism above described, the cylinder |66 is rotated a small amount for each successive forward movement of the carriage 21, whereby the diamond points accurately reproduce the. design oi the enlarged copy or plate, as above described.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that by removing the link 24| and utilizing a similar link connected to the opening 25B on the forward end of the lever 206, the lower set of holders will be operated to produce a negative design while at the same time the upper series of holders is cutting a positive design.

It will further be apparent that the various leverage mechanisms which cause the transverse movement of the diamond holders and the forward rotation of the cylinder, may be adjusted in any desired manner so that any proportions and relative sizes may be maintained between the designs engraved on the cylinder |66 and the design on the copy or plate on the table.

Furthermore, it is apparent that by slightly modifying the leverage mechanism for moving the diamond holder, levers of the opposite order may be inserted where desired so that certain of the holders may be moved transversely in one direction while the remaining holders are moving in the opposite direction, and, in this way, engraved designs of both right and left hand may be made at the same time. In other Words, alternate rows of engravings may be mirror copies of the remaining engravings. Furthermore, it is apparent that great iiexibility is thus provided and that a large number of engraving possibilities are possible with the machine of this invention, which is entirely automatic in its operation.

In engraving copper cylinders of the type here illustrated, it is customary to coat the surface thereof with a suitable Varnish or other material and to cause the diamond points to cut through the surface of the varnished coating. This prepares the cylinder for a subsequent etching operation in a manner which is now commonly known ,and understood.

It is contemplated, however, that this invention may be used for all types of engraving operations which may act directly on the material of the cylinder or otherwise, as the case may be. lThe applicant does not wish to be limited to the specific disclosure herein given, as this embodiment of the invention is merely illustrative of the principles thereof and the scope of the invention is to be limited only as set forth in the appended claims.

Another particular advantage of this invention is that it may be used to reproduce designs or patterns or copy from enlarged pencil or ink copies made on paper from photographs, halftone illustrations, or printed forms without the necessity of preparing a grooved plate for tracing by hand, as formerly. In case of a multicolored pattern, a sketch or photograph showing only one color at a time is scanned, each scanning being the transfer of one color to a roller.

What is claimed is:

l. In an engraving or similar machine, vthe combination of a l pattern holder, a scanning mechanism, means for supporting said scanning mechanism for movement in forward, backward and transverse directions over the surface of a pattern, means for holding an object to be en graved, an engraving tool mounted for movement into and out of contact with the surface of said object, connecting means for imparting relative movement to said object and engraving tool corresponding to the movements over said pattern of said scanning mechanism, and electrically operated means responsive to light reflected from a pattern on said pattern holder for causing said engraving tool to move into and out of contact with the suriace of said object according to the light conditions encountered during the scanning of said pattern.

2. An engraving or lsimilar machine of the character deiined in claim l, further characterized as having a plurality of engraving tools mounted for movement in unison.

3. An engraving or similar machine of the character dened in claim l, further characterized as having a plurality of engraving tools adapted to move in unison into and out of engagement with the surface of the object being engraved, and a second set of engraving tools adapted to be moved in unison into and out of contact with the object being engraved.

4. An engraving or similar machine of the character deiined in claim l, further characterized as having a plurality oi' engraving ltools adapted to move in unison into and out of engagement with the surface of the object being engraved, a second set adapted to be moved in unison into and out of Contact with the object being engraved, and means for connecting said engraving tools to Athe operating mechanism therefor, so that when one set of engraving tools moves into engagement with the object being engraved the other' set moves out of engagement therewith.

5. An engraving or similar machine of the character denned in claim l, further characterized as having a plurality of engraving tools and operating means therefor adapted to cause certain of said engraving tools to move out of engagement with the object being engraved at the time when the other set of engraving tools is moving into engagement with said object being engraved, and vice versa.

6. An engraving or similar machine of the character dened in claim l, further characterized in that the engraving tool is adapted to move in contact with the object to be engraved by gravity .and having means for moving said engraving tool out of engagement with said object being engraved, including a solenoid and movable transverse movements of the scanning mechn anism and adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with an object to be engraved by an actuator which is connected to a solenoid for movement in one direction and a spring for movement in the other direction.

8. An engraving or similar machine of the character dened in claim l, further characterized as having a plurality of engraving tools movable in unison transversely according to the transverse movements of the scanning mechanism and adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with an object to be engraved by an actuator having one end connected to a solenoid and the other end connected to a spring, said solenoidA being connected to receive electrical impulses controlled by the scanning mechanism.

9- An engraving or similar machine of the character dened in claim l, further characterized as having a transversely movable carriage carrying the scanning mechanism, a forwardly and backwardly moving carriage for supporting said first-named carriage, a motor for moving said transversely moving carriage having automatic switch means for reversing its course of travel, further switch means for energizing a solenoid, and a ratchet mechanism connected to said solenoid for forwardly advancing said backwardly and forwardly moving carriage step by step for each transverse travel of said transverse carriage. n

10. In an engraving or similar machine of the lcharacter described, the sub-combination of a carriage movable in one direction, a second carriage mounted on the first carriage movable in a direction transverse to the movement of the first carriage, means for advancing said first lcarriage step by step comprising a ratchet, a pawl and a'solenoid connected to said pawl, means for energizing said solenoid for movement of said ratchet a predetermined amount including switch mechanism automatically actuated by said transverse carriage at the eXtreme positions of its travel, and power means for moving said second carriage.

l1. In an engraving or similar machine of the character described, the sub-combination of a forwardly and backwardly moving carriage, a transverse carriage, a spirally grooved shaft mounted on said rst carriage having cam grooves of opposite hand, means for driving said shaft carried by said rst carriage, cam followers for selectively engaging one or the other of said spiral grooves whereby said transverse carriage is moved in one direction upon engagement with one of said grooves and in the opposite direction upon the engagement of the other of said grooves, and means for automatically shifting said cam followers at the opposite ends of the path of travel of said transverse carriage.

12. In an engraving or similar machine of the character described, the sub-combination of a forwardly and backwardly moving carriage, a transverse carriage, a shaft mounted .on said rst carriage having spiral cam grooves of opposite hand, means for driving said shaft carried by said first carriage, cam followers for selectively engagingone or the other of said spiral grooves carried by said transverse carriage, whereby said transverse carriage is moved in one direction upon engagement with one of said grooves and in the opposite direction upon the engagement of the other of said grooves, and means for automatically shifting said cam followers at the opposite ends of the path of travel of said transverse carriage,4 said last-named means comprising a pair of adjustable cam plates.

13. In an engraving or similar machine of the character described, the sub-combination of a carriage movable in one direction, a second carriage mounted on the rst carriage movable in a direction transverse to the movement of the first carriage, means for advancing said rst carriage step by step comprising a ratchet, l a pawl and a solenoid connected to said pawl, means for energizing said solenoid for movement of said ratchet a predetermined amount including switch mechanism automatically actuated by said transverse carriage at the extreme positions of its travel, power means for moving said second carriage, and adjustable means forv determining the stroke of said pawl as influenced by said solenoid, whereby the advance of said first carriage may be selectively determined. v

14. In an engraving or similar machine of the character described, the sub-combination of a carriage movable in one direction, a second carriage mounted on the first carriage movable in a direction transverse to the movement of the first carriage, means for advancing said rst carriage step-by-step comprising a ratchet, a pawl and a solenoid connected to said pawl including means for energizing said solenoid for movement of said ratchet a predetermined amount, switch mechanism automatically actuated by said transverse carriage at the extreme positions of its travel,

power means for moving said second carriage,

and means in engagement with said ratchet for holding said first-named carriage against return movement. Y

l5. An engraving or similar machine of the character defined in claim l, further characterized as having a forwardly moving carriage, a transversely moving carriage mounted on said rst carriage and serving as means for supporting the scanning mechanism, and power means for automatically advancing said carriages through a scanning path of travel.

16. An engraving or similar machine of the character defined in claim l, further characterized as having a forwardly moving carriage, a transversely moving carriage mounted on said first carriage and serving as means for supporting the scanning mechanism, power means for automatically advancing said carriages through a scanning path of travel, and means for auto.- matically disconnecting said power means upon said forwardly moving carriage reaching a predetermined forward position in its automatic ,scanning movement.

away from a pattern mounted on said pattern holder.

19. In an engraving or similar machine of the character defined in claim 1, in which the relative movements between said object being engraved and said engraving tool are effected by transverse movements of said engraving tool corresponding to the transverse movements of the scanning mechanism, and relative forwardly and backwardly movements of said engraving tool and object being engraved are eected by movement of the object being engraved corresponding to the forward and backward movement of the scanning mechanism.

20. An engraving or similar machine of the character defined in claim 1, further characterized as having means for supporting a cylinder as the object to be engraved, and two sets of engraving tools, one of which is mounted below said cylinder and adapted to move upwardly in contact therewith, and the other of which is mounted above said cylinder and adapted to move l0 downwardly in contact therewith.

FRANCIS I-I. M. NEW. 

